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Bioavailability Enhancer

Piperine (Black Pepper Extract)

Also known as: Black Pepper Extract, Black Pepper Fruit Extract, BioPerine, Piper nigrum

A
Evidence

Alkaloid from black pepper that significantly enhances absorption of many nutrients and supplements by inhibiting drug-metabolizing enzymes and increasing intestinal permeability.

Primary uses

  • Nutrient absorption enhancement
  • Curcumin bioavailability
  • Thermogenesis
  • Digestive support

How it works

  • Inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein efflux transporters
  • Increases intestinal permeability temporarily
  • Inhibits glucuronidation in liver and intestine
  • Enhances thermogenesis via TRPV1 activation

Dosage

Typical range
5-20 mg daily
Timing
With target supplements/meals
With food
Yes, take with supplements to enhance
Duration
Safe for long-term use at recommended doses
Special populations
Caution with narrow therapeutic index drugs

Forms

  • BioPerine (standardized 95%)
  • Generic piperine extract
  • Black pepper fruit extract

Safety

Common side effects

  • GI irritation at high doses (rare)

Contraindications

  • Concurrent use with drugs having narrow therapeutic index without medical supervision

Evidence notes

Strong evidence for bioavailability enhancement of curcumin (2000%+), CoQ10, resveratrol, and many other compounds

Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.